Retired healthcare executive Rick Wilton has released his new devotional, Every Breath, a book designed to help readers navigate life's most difficult and unwanted seasons with faith and resilience. Published by Clay Bridges Press, the devotional addresses the reality of suffering while pointing readers toward the hope found in Christ.
In Every Breath, Wilton draws from decades of personal and professional experience to offer compassionate reminders that even in times of grief, uncertainty, and waiting, God remains present and faithful. The book encourages readers to lean on Scripture, cultivate a life of prayer, and embrace community support as sources of strength.
“Every one of us will eventually face a journey we never would have chosen,” Wilton said. “My prayer is that readers will discover they are not walking those roads alone. God is present, He is faithful, and He can use even our hardest seasons to deepen our trust in Him and bring glory to His name.”
Rather than providing superficial encouragement, Every Breath speaks candidly about the challenges of unwanted journeys. Each devotional invites readers to see how God transforms pain into purpose and uncertainty into deeper dependence on Him. Wilton emphasized authenticity as a key element of the book. “There is no candy coating in this book,” he explained. “I wanted to tell the truth about what it looks like to walk through an unwanted season while holding tightly to God.”
Wilton's writing journey began more than 50 years ago when his tenth-grade English teacher recognized his gift for writing. Although he initially considered journalism, his career path led him to healthcare leadership. However, the desire to write never faded. “Looking back, I can see God was planting seeds all along,” Wilton said. “Now I simply want to use whatever gift He's given me to encourage others to trust Him more deeply.”
For Wilton, writing is an act of obedience inspired by God. When faced with creative challenges, he turns to prayer walks. “I don't really call it writer's block,” he said. “I call them my mental health and prayer walks. Every time I step away and spend time with the Lord, He faithfully meets me there.”
A native West Virginian and graduate of Marshall University, Wilton spent his career as a healthcare executive before retiring to focus on writing, family, and ministry. He has been married to his wife, Sandy, for more than 40 years and is a father to two sons and grandfather to six grandchildren. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, beach trips, and trout fishing.
For aspiring writers, Wilton offers simple advice: “Do the work. Follow the prompting of your heart and the Holy Spirit. Write every day. You never know how God may use your words to encourage someone else.”
At its heart, Every Breath is an invitation to trust God through every season of life. It reminds readers that while they may not have chosen their journey, they can walk it with confidence, knowing God is using every breath for His greater purpose. For more information about Clay Bridges Press, visit claybridgespress.com.
